Did you know Ontario is home to 8 species of native turtles? That’s right!

However, all 8 of these species are at risk and need our help!

Sarnia has done the bare minimum to protect these unique animals that contribute incredibly to our precious ecosystem, and we demand more be done.

Turtles take on the important role as the clean up crews in our ecosystem. These animals take care of any deceased insects, fish, or small mammals in bodies of water and keep our wetlands free of contamination and harmful bacteria. Not only this, but their roles in the food-web are very important to maintaining a balanced ecosystem. As turtles age, their diet expands to include more vegetation and seeds, thus spreading seeds in their stool to encourage new growth of our native plants.

The City of Sarnia can aid in the conservation of turtles by installing signs in our parks, covers to protect nests, and enforcing overall protection for these reptiles would be wonderful and help tenfold in the conservation of all of these species.

Conservation Statuses:

Midland/Western Painted Turtle - Special Concern

Northern Map Turtle - Special Concern

Common Snapping Turtle - Special Concern

Eastern Musk Turtle - Special Concern

Wood Turtle - Endangered

Spotted Turtle - Endangered

Spiny Soft-shell Turtle - Endangered

Blanding’s Turtle - Endangered

Take action and sign this virtual petition to give our silent friends a voice and protect Ontario’s beautiful wildlife!